Introducing the Sunset Community Band

By Supervisor Joel Engardio

Good things are happening in San Francisco’s Sunset neighborhoods — it’s a part of the city that is home to new families, innovative restaurants, and a burst of creative arts and culture. 

The future of San Francisco starts in the Sunset and we need a community band to express all the pride and joy in the avenues that stretch to the ocean.

Watch the debut of the Sunset Community Band, from their first rehearsal marching on a Judah Street sidewalk to their first performance in San Francisco’s new oceanside Fourth of July parade.

Inspiration for the band
After creating the first-ever Sunset Night Market, I thought we also needed a Sunset Community Band to play at special events to celebrate everything that makes the Sunset so great.

The members are all ages. Many of the musicians played years ago in high school or college and have dusted off their instruments stored in a closet. They are reconnecting to the joy of performing in a band — from their 30s to their 70s.

We also welcome teens currently playing in their Sunset school bands. We decided to make it an all-ages band for the entire Sunset community. Students could find mentors and seniors could find purpose.

Events
Our newly formed band will perform at special holiday events, Sunset Night Market, Great Highway events on weekends, and march in San Francisco’s LGBTQ Pride, Lunar New Year, and Fourth of July parades to display Sunset pride — and bring joy to everyone.

Seeking band players
We are looking for musicians of all ages and kinds (woodwind, brass, percussion, strings). We hope to put together a seated band (wind band or orchestra) and a band that can march at special parade events. 
Sign up here.

Seeking non-playing volunteers
If you don’t play an instrument, you can still be involved! We need volunteers who are music lovers to help with marketing, fundraising, and administration. Maybe someone to design uniforms or choreograph some dance moves. 
Sign up here.

Band leaders
I put my vision for a Sunset Community Band in my supervisor newsletter and asked if any musicians wanted to volunteer to lead it. 

Sunset residents Nina and Alex Strachan stepped up along with Allyson Ward. They formed the leadership team.

Nina Strachan (left), Alex Strachan, and Allyson Ward

Nina Strachan plays the saxophone and flute and has marching band experience. "Having played in all sorts of bands during my childhood and college, I really miss it in my adult life,” Nina says. “I hope to bring this band to all the other musical folks who are missing this community just as much as I am.”

Alex Strachan is the principal horn and assistant conductor for the Oakland Civic Orchestra. “Community building is more important than ever and I’m excited to help bring the sunset musical community together,” Alex says. 

Allyson Ward is a public school music educator. “I want to create a welcoming environment for young musicians where they feel like they can explore music instead of feeling like they need to stay in a box,” Allyson says.

Supervisor Joel Engardio played coronet in his public school band in 6th to 9th grades. “I still have the coronet. I might just try to play it again so I can also be in the Sunset Community Band!”

Supervisor Joel Engardio in the 7th grade and today with the same coronet.